Supernatural Horror openings: The Woman in Black (2012)

Box Office (gross): $127, 730, 736 (worldwide)
Distributor: Momentum Pictures, CBS Films, Alliance Films
Studio: Cross Creek Pictures, Hammer Film Productions, Exclusive Media Group
Critical Acclaim: Won Best Horror at the Empire Awards, won Best Sound Editing at the Golden Trailer Awards and Top Box Office Film at the ASCAP Film and Television Awards.

Key Characters/Stock Characters

In this opening scene we are not specifically introduced to the protagonist/s or antagonist/s. However within the scene we are introduced to the stock characters which are these 3 young girls. From a long shot we can can determine that the girls are looking at the antagonist, which after having looked in the direction, causes them to jump out of the window.  Right at the end of the opening scene we do however spot the antagonist in an over-the-shoulder long shot. From the shot we see a black veil, instantly establishing the antagonist is female because typically, only women wear veils. The girls jump from the window, no longer in the shot, at which point a woman can be heard screaming. This can be assumed to be the mother who would be a stock character.

Narrative/ Stock situations

The fact that this film begins with the death of 3 young girls establishes for us that more people will die throughout the film, as a result of the antagonist's actions. Since it is young children who have been intentionally killed in this scene we can infer that only children will die in the film. The opening suggests there is an undercurrent vengeance targeting young children, based around the events of the antagonist's past.

Genre Iconography

Supernatural horrors have both been modernised and based in the past to create disquieting atmospheres. In this movie, the film is taken from an earlier decade. Due to this being so, there are specific pieces of iconography typically associated with such a context. For example, china dolls have been used in the clip which can be associated with horror movies because of the glassy stare which can be considered to be haunting; furthermore, many horror films featuring dolls have depicted them as a satanically manipulated being. The obvious old and yet grand furnishings have been included in the clip. Whilst we see no blood or weapons causing the girls' deaths, the woman in black at the end of the scene wears a black veil. Black has connotations of death and disease which are both associations typical of the genre and inclusive of the iconography.

Score

In the background we have the incidental music growing louder as the scene goes on. The music is stylistic of a nursery rhyme in the way it is mockingly rhythmic, making the opening scene even more haunting. As with all supernatural horrors, the incidental music builds to a climatic moment. In the scene a deep and booming non-diegetic sound can be heard before another track plays almost silently in the background. Over this we hear the diegetic screaming of a woman. We can always expected a horror film to feature screaming, whether it be within supernatural horrors or action horrors, due to the typicality of it.

Themes of genre

The main theme of horror, presented in this clip, is the unknown. Typically in horror films there will be a character for whom is most likely to be a supernatural being. Alternatively the unknown also signifies a plot twist or change in the narrative caused by the antagonists' motives.


Typography

Unlike many opening scenes, the title for this film doesn't in fact come up in the clip provided. Therefore it is difficult for me to specifically comment on the typography and how it appears in the clip.

My Genre

Together, Indya, Katy and i have decided that we will create a film opening based on the genre horror, more specifically, supernatural horror. What i find interesting in following this genre is that you can play around with more effects such as with lighting, music, and camera editing/shots to create a very dark and ominous atmosphere as well as to create an admonitory mood. In relation to logistics, the genre is suitable because the horror can be based in any house of our choice to give the impression that a demonic force exists there. Furthermore, some of the best supernatural horrors usually picture a remote landscape, typically forest areas. These locations are easy to reach since the area in which we all live within is a fairly rural location. I'm really excited to create the opening scene to a horror film because it allows the group and i to make realism of the scarily supernatural occurrences that we can have only fathomed before. It would be also interesting to see how realistic we can make the opening scene. I, for one, have discussed with my group my desire to play the antagonist of the film which is another reason as to why i feel more passionately about creating this opening scene.

As said, there is relative ease in getting an appropriate location to film since we are situated in a rural environment. As with costume and props, i know that i own some things which would be useful for the opening scene already. The same would go for Indya and Katy. If none of us have a required prop we can always buy what is necessary for the opening scene from shops in our local town.

Research: Genre

Genre is a term used to describe the types of media products recognisable by easily identifiable elements, which establishes the story and characters. Some examples include horror, romance and thriller.

Stock elements: Horror, Romance, Thriller

Horror: In a horror film the protagonist/s usually take the role of survivor or victim, where usually only one character remains alive. The antagonist/s on the other hand, takes the form of a demented being such as a killer or supernatural force. The antagonists help in driving the narrative forward. The stock characters usually include other victims such as friends or family (usually depending on the sub-genre). Furthermore, the narrative and stock situation established through the genre is an individual or groups of people who are threatened by an unknown and unprecedented being which often leads to several characters dying.

Romance: The protagonists in a romance film usually includes a heterosexual couple, either based in their youth (teenager) or as young adults. The antagonists are always characters who rival the love interest, due to jealously or disagreement with the partnership e.g. friends, family members. As for the stock characters, friends and family are typically presented. As with most romance films, there always seems to involve a confident, sexy friend, gay/introverted friend and or a good looking guy. The narrative and stock situation for the genre is that a guy and a girl may meet but come across an obstacle meaning they can't be together. Films in this genre typically end really well or tragically.

Thriller: The protagonists are usually valiant and intelligent, representing some sort of organisation such as the military, FBI etc. The antagonists on the other hand, usually compose of characters with the same characteristics as the protagonists however from the opposing organisation or other important body. The stock characters will usually consist of the support team of an organisation. As for the narrative and stock situation, the antagonists are more likely to drive the narrative where they are expected to overcome obstacles.

Importance to the audience

Through establishing the codes and conventions of a movie genre, the audience can then recognize different genres in marketing. But is essential for the conventions to be established initially because of the heavy reliance the audience has on them.

Importance to institutions

Specific genres have visual motifs and/or icons associated with each genre, used as a way of marketing films to audiences with greater ease. Therefore genre is important to institutions because in helps to market an institution's film.

Film Openings: Evaluation (Slideshare)

Film Openings: Evaluation from Shadowhunter96

I originally uploaded a PowerPoint onto SlideShare where i copied the embedded code into the HTML tab on the blog from which the PowerPoint can now be seen in the compose tab when editing. This has allowed the PowerPoint to be viewed from this blog.

Representation in Iron Man

The preferred reading of this film is that it concerns warfare and involves combat which is established by the militaristic opening whereby we are only introduced to soldiers, with the exception of Stark, and heavy, armed vehicles. Instantly we are made to believe that the movie is going to include an array or antagonists and protagonists from the fact we infer the movie to be an action/ adventure movie where all associated movies include such characters.

The use of crane shots and camera editing techniques such as panning and tracking help to engage the audience and create the effect that the viewer is involved, and watching the scene at the same time.

Location

We are initially introduced to the scene via an establishing shot. In this shot, which you can see to the right, a mountainous terrain is captured, along with arid land suggesting that the country in which the scene opens in is quite warm (in fact when there's a low angle long shot of an army vehicle approaching the camera and text appears stating the location as Afghanistan the camera blurs to an extent to resemble the heat radiating the air). The fact that the scene is set in Afghanistan reinforces the reading that the movie is associated with war and combat when there's knowledge of the war and conflict happening at this moment in time in the same location. Within the distance of the shot is several army vehicles of which are tracked as the camera pans lefts to brings the viewer's attention to the activity far below.

In this shot we are given a small view as to the inside of one of the military vehicles. In the center of the long shot is radio from which heavy music plays. The radio is fairly modern establishing that the scene is taking place in modern day. The vehicle is dark and from this shot we can make out 3 soldiers sat within the vehicle.

Sound

The scene begins with the soft diegetic sound of the wind blowing. As soon as the shot changes, non-diegetic music kicks in, loud and almost commanding. The music is powerful and stimulates the viewers attention. Behind the music we can also hear the diegetic sound of the vehicles' contact with the ground. When the shot changes to focus the scene inside one of the army vehicles, the non-diegetic music changes to become diegetic as we establish that the music resides from the radio inside the vehicle. Along with this we hear the rattle of the vehicle bumping as it is driven across the track, implying that the road on which the soldiers are travelling is bumpy. Furthermore, the diegetic sound of ice in a glass is heard drawing the viewer's attention to whomever holds the glass. Just as Stark begins conversation with the soldiers the music gets quieter, but only to allow ease in hearing the speech. Towards the end, the music gets slightly louder to signify something is about to happen and that's when we hear the diegetic sound of the explosion.

Mood/atmosphere

The high key lighting in this scene may have been provided by sunlight but there is a likelihood that some of the light may have been faked to make the film appear to have been shot in daylight, specifically whilst the characters are in the vehicle. However in terms of the use of filters i cannot seem to identify such an inclusion in the opening scene. The use of the natural lighting establishes a relaxing atmosphere.

In terms of the music, it is clear that the roaring blur of the background non-diegetic music creates a different, more exciting atmosphere that builds enjoyment. As the music builds, right at the last minute we get a sense of tension and suddenly the music stops and the diegetic sound of an explosion is heard, altering the atmosphere to a much more shocked and anxious one.

Titles

The information given in the opening scene includes the Marvel ident, an instantly recognizable symbol, along with some credits giving information on productions to have helped create the film. What's more, white, fairly informal yet modern typography fades into a shot of an army vehicle stating the location where the film is set (where this plays, so does heavy non diegetic music in the background). Whilst many film openings show the title at the start of the film, Iron Man doesn't. Within the opening scene of which i have looked at there is no title. Fortunately, i came across another clip from Iron Man following on from the exact point where the scene i have analysed ends. For nearly 2 minutes extra, the scene progresses and at the very end the title is abruptly given. The style of the text appears informal with the font also having been written using capital locks. The text itself is gold and metallic but variant in showing light and dark tones to impose the idea that the title is based upon the metal suit of Iron Man. At the same time the title appears, a sharp non-diegetic sound is made resembling the sound of metal contacting metal.

Below is a link to the video where the title appears at the end:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=E6cXmIE9788

Special Effects

This film opening is unique to any of the others i have currently analysed because there has been no special effects directly involved, such as ones which even low budget movies could not afford to replicate. Specifically in this opening scene, right at the end, we are introduced to one form of special effect, pyrotechnics, established with the explosion. The use of such creates greater realism in the film and establishes the reading for an action/adventure film where the use of special effects such as pyrotechnics are expected to be implemented into a film.

Iron Man: Characters

 This close up shot shows the first character we are introduced to. His costume is based on a camouflaged military uniform and around his chest is a padded waistcoat. Furthermore, the man is wearing a hard helmet also covered in the same grey, camouflaged military uniform. From this we instantly establish he is a soldier. The uniform acts as an icon of strength, power and practicality which are all masculine traits. It also fortifies his aptitude and and resolve in combat and warfare as well as for the protection of others. Therefore this shot helps to show that the man is subscribing to the male archetype and that the ideologies that the audience can read from include the safe perception of soldiers whose jobs are to protect people from danger. The costume is also modern and yet secure and practically equipped also establishing that the soldiers are those belonging to a regiment in a wealthy country (America, as depicted by the accents).

Likewise in this close up shot, we also see another soldier. However this time we can see eye protection strapped to the helmet. This further establishes that the soldiers are strong, practical, powerful and ready for combat.





One of the most striking characters to be introduced to is Tony Stark. In this close up shot of Stark we immediately notice that he's wearing a suit. Suits are an icon of power and importance. The fact that he is the only person wearing a suit signifies his importance because it establishes that he is being protected or guarded by the other soldiers. Stark is also clean shaven and dressed suitably as well as having had make up put on him to appear clean. This shows that there is a reliance on the male archetype since both costume and makeup help to reflect how Stark represents the male archetype. Furthermore, the fact he wears a suit suggests that he is wealthy and powerful , further attributes of the male archetype. Stark is wearing shaded glasses, providing connotations of confidentiality and yet again, power for secrecy. In relation to props, Stark can be seen holding a glass of what looks to be alcohol. This implies his power and importance further but also establishes his wealth and the ease of his character in such a situation as this where he needs to be accompanied by the military (an event assumed to be stressful).

The final character we are introduced to is a female soldier. From the middle close up shot we can see that she wears the same attire as the 2 other soldiers introduced in the shot. What's unusual is the fact that she's involved in a physical and masculine role which would have archetypally been a male's job. What's more the woman is the only person driving the vehicle. Typically, the role at which she is playing doesn't reflect the feminine archetype to which she is subverting. Instead, the role would have been projected for a man to complete. Additionally, this shot captures the woman at the front of the shot taking the larger proportion of the shot when compared to Stark in the back. This establishes that she is as powerful and if not, even stronger than Stark and that the movie is set in the modern day because an equality between gender is entrenched.

Film Openings: Iron Man (2008)

Genre: Action/ Adventure
Box Office (gross): $585, 174, 222 (worldwide)
Distributor: Paramount Pictures
Studios: Marvel Studios, Fairview Entertainment
Critical Acclaim: The film was nominated for 9 Saturn Awards, winning Best Science Fiction Film, Best Director and Best Actor (Downey). It was also nominated at the Academy Awards for Best Visual Effects and Best Sound Editing at the 81st Academy Awards.
Success and reception: The film was #1 at box office. Roger Ebert and Richard Corliss named Iron Man as their favorite film of 2008.

Scott from The New York Times described the film to be "an unusually good superhero picture or at least- since it certainly has its problems- a superhero movie that's good in unusual ways."

Todd McCarthy from Variety ( US entertainment-trade magazine) called the film an "expansively entertaining special effects extravaganza."

Narrative

As the scene begins an establishing shot fades in to show that there is vast, mountainous terrain in the apparent, barren landscape. In this shot we can see that several large vehicles travel along one lone dirt track. A low angle, extra long shot is then used to show a number of army vehicles driving towards the camera. Atop the vehicle is a soldier holding a gun. This immediately establishes the preferred reading of the film as being an action movie because we are given the first impression of characters through the military control. As the shot is played, the location is established through the label: Afghanistan. A variety of different shots including high and low angle middle shots. Where the vehicles move away from the camera a crane shot has been used to follow the vehicles, particularly one on which a soldier is standing above holding a large gun which is directly attached to the vehicle itself. Following this, the shot cuts to a middle shot of a radio playing music within one of the military vehicles. A middle close up shot establishes that there are soldiers in the vehicle. There is a shallow focus close up of a glass of alcohol being held which then tilts upwards to show another soldier who looks at the figure holding the glass. It is then that the shot cuts to a close up of Tony Stark. Due to the fact he is the only character within the vehicle not in military gear we can assume that he is the character that the film is based upon. A variety of shots using shot-reverse-shot are used as the scene develops. At the end there is a shallow focus, middle shot of a soldier in the front of the vehicle, at which point the vehicle in the front can be see exploding(through the windshield). The opening scene ends with an extreme long shot of the vehicles blowing up. The story line is established here, given the militaristic environment and  introduction of Tony Stark flanked by soldiers, at which by the time the explosion has occurred, we can establish that some form of terrorist attack caused the disruption. This is effective when rolling into the rest of the film.

Representation in The Vow

The preferred reading of this film is initially based on a good mood where the film is set in an American, friendly urban area. Since we can establish that a man and woman are focused on as the principle characters, we typically assume that they are in a relationship, forcing our reading into understanding the genre of the film as being romantic. However as the events unfold in the opening scene the preferred reading changes to a more bleak mood where the reading is instead altered as we begin to interpret the film differently, rather into a romantic film that will explain the strain of an accident on a couple's marriage.

There are several factors that do play a part in engaging the reader into the film. One of the factors includes the voice over delivered by Channing Tatum's character giving the effect that he is directly addressing the audience. Moreover, the use of slow motion creates a more shocking experience with as close of an experience to that of a real car crash if the audience were to witness one. Thus the involvement is further intensified.

Location


From this shot we are given the reading that the film takes place in an friendly, urban area not riddled with crime, as may be associated with urban areas in many other films. Outside, a heavy layer of snow lines the street and cars, forever deepening as the snow falls from the sky. Immediately we get the impression that it is the middle of winter.

Music Box: cinema the couple just left

In this long shot we can see bright lights making the 'Music Box' stand out in the night. Since the lights are actually there, promoting the cinema (as is supposed to be) we can establish that the area isn't worn down, suggesting the area is moderately respectable and the wealth of the area is around 'average' rather than within poor conditions or higher class conditions where we would expect to see prestigious buildings.


Sound

As soon as the scene starts very soothing non-diegetic music plays. Among this the soft diegetic buzz of the cinema lights can be heard. Following this we heard the diegetic sound of the door opening and closing as the couple walk out of the cinema. As there is a long shot of the snow-filled streets, a non-diegetic sound effect resembling 'twinkling' can be heard so as to create a majestic effect caused by the snow. This helps in reflecting the beauty of the snow. Again, the sound of the cinema doors opening plays and the bustle of several people talking can be heard. Along with the additional diegetic noises being played (car door slam, seat belt being pulled, car puling away etc.) the music suddenly ends and this time diegetic music plays in the background, coming from the car's radio. Once the car has stopped the music ends and despite the dialogue between the characters, there is silence. Not long after this there is a voice over from one of the characters at which point non-diegetic incidental music fades in, building suspense. However, for only a moment the music fades out by which time the diegetic sound of a large vehicle skidding to a stop and crashing into the car, smashing glass at the same time,  is all that's heard. As the woman flies from the window, the music is slow and controlled adding to the suspense already established by the slow motion effect. As soon as she lands on the bonnet the music fades out slightly and is altered so that the diegetic sound of the wind becomes a very prominent sound. Behind non-diegetic music which build as the shot gets lifts higher, the faint diegetic sound of ambulance sirens can be heard. At the hospital the diegetic whirs of the hospital equipment and staff within it emphasize the intensity and significance of the incident.

Mood/atmosphere

The high key lighting in this film is provided by lamplight which i would expect to have been created through using larger lights other than those used in the set, so that the characters could be seen more easily. However it appears that no exact filter has been applied to the opening scene. In establishing a mood the light helps to create a more natural effect to create a realistic atmosphere, which in turn effects the audience in different ways depending on what's happening in each shot.

Music, on the other hand, is particularly significant at creating a mood and atmosphere. From the beginning the softening music is relaxing and so creates a warm and comforting atmosphere. The diegetic music played from the radio helps to establish the preferred reading further in showing how much the couple believe in love and love one another passionately. As with the silence before the crash the atmosphere changes and the sense of safety is gone. From here the contradicting statement that the husband makes via voice over, along with the harsh sounds of the vehicle colliding with the car turns the atmosphere cold and negative. The intensity of the melancholic music increases as the camera draws away from the scene, establishing an indefinite atmosphere filled with hopelessness and desolation.

Title

The credits at the start of the opening scene give information on the primary people to have been involved in making the film as an accreditation to those who have helped make the film possible. Following this the title fades in as the background is set out of focus. The fact that this has been done causes the audience to draw their attention to the title rather than what's happening in the background which is quite useful, particularly in knowing that titles can be ignored if something interesting is occurring in the background. The typography of the text is slightly informal and made white so that it can be seen above the background. The colour may have also been specified this way because of the fact that the film is about vows and the colour white has connotations of innocence and purity, a reflection of the meaning behind vows and their relation to the holy spirit in religion. The text is also in capital locks with 'VOW' having been written using a larger font for the purpose of catching the viewer's eye easier. Just as it arrived, the text fades as the same non-diegetic, calm and soothing music resides, playing in the background.

The Vow: Characters

In this scene we are primarily introduced to 2 characters, one male and the other female (man and wife).There is a variety of different shots introducing us to the female character. I chose to look at the close up, deep focus shot of the woman (shown on the right) because it gives the audience a better view of the character in the way of costume, make-up etc. In this shot we see that the woman is wearing a lot of makeup, showing she has a value on looking good. What's more her hair has been presented to look neat and composed, an element that helps to establish the value on looking good. The fact that she has been presented in this way shows that she already subscribes to the feminine archetype. The fact that the woman in the shot is wearing a red coat suggests she is cold, supported by the snow outside, deepening our reading that the film is based in winter. The colour of the coat itself is vivid and powerful, having connotations of danger and yet also seduction. Her outlook is clean and respectable establishing that she is from a respectable middle class background.

To the right is a close up shot in deep focus of the husband. It's interesting in noting that when the characters are interacting with one another (shot-reverse-shot) the face or each character is left out of focus as the other character speaks which provides the reading that this couple have a strong relationship  (deduced by the fact they are always in each others's shot). In relation to the appearance of the man in the shot, this man's costume constitutes of many layers including a hat, scarf and brown coat. Compared to his wife the man wears very dark colours which may be more associated with the fact that he is a man. This shows that there is some reliance on the male stereotype within the film. The man doesn't appear to be dirty but clean. What's more, he doesn't wear clothing that looks very expensive neither. This establishes that the man is fairly wealthy, most likely to belong to the middle class as with his wife.

In addition to these two characters we are introduced to several other people, some of which can be assumed to be friends because of the way in which they run up in worry towards the hospital unit. Like the two main characters already established, these characters also seem to come from the same background for the 'average' middle class. However these characters don't seem to rely on the stereotype as heavily as the couple. Along with this group of people we are introduced to the doctors and nurses. To the right is a long shot showing medical staff gathered around two patients which we understand to be the husband and wife. This instantly establishes that the scene now takes place in a hospital. Instantly we can distinguish the doctors/nurses in blue as well as the surgeons/doctors in white lab coats. This establishes that the accident was very serious, providing the reading that the injuries sustained in the accident will form the plot for the film.

Film Openings: The Vow (2012)

Genre: Drama/Romance
Box Office (gross): $196, 114, 570 (worldwide)
Distributor: Screen Gems
Studio: Spyglass Entertainment
Critical Acclaim: The film won Film Music Award at the BMI Film & TV Awards as well as Best Romance TV Spot at the Golden Trailer Awards
Success and reception: It is the 6th highest-grossing romantic drama film of which was based on the true story of Kim and Krickitt Carpenter.

There were many negative reviews from critics. Emma Dibdin from Total Film (UK-based film magazine) rated the film as 3/5 stars and stated: "there's an essential sweetness at work here, thanks partly to McAdams and partly to an unusually chaste love story that ultimately keeps melodrama at bay."

Narrative

At the beginning of this scene a crane shot is used to establish the location as being a cinema. A middle long shot tracks a man and woman for whom we are only introduced to within the first part of this scene. Following this, a low angle, middle long shot is used to show the two characters in greater depth. Already we can establish that this story is based on a couple (romantic film) through the way the man and woman intimately lace their arms together and the man kisses the woman, suggesting that they are in a relationship. A long shot pans across a street that the characters are looking at to show that the scene takes place in winter. The fact that the snow has been given it's own shot suggests that the snow will play a significant role in the film. After the title there is a close up shot shot of the woman getting into a car as well as a middle close up shot of the man scraping ice from the car's windscreen. During this exchange of shots the relationship is further validated by the way the characters interact warmingly with one another. We can establish later on that the couple are in fact married as whilst driving the woman mentions about her marriage. Once the car grinds to a halt, the music in the background stops at which point the camera pans around the front of the car to show the two characters. A close up shot  of the seat belt is used to signify that something bad will happen as a result of her making the action. From a middle long shot we see lights of another vehicle in the back of the car. Several middle shots have been used, along with slow motion to draw out the scene (match on action may have been used here also). As the woman flies from the car and onto the bonnet of the car we can establish that this film is centered around the crash. As the scene draws to an end slow motion is used also along with several close up shot where the characters are rushed into hospital, emphasizing the urgency of the situation and establishing that the story will look into the trauma caused by the crash itself.

Representation in The Change Up

The preferred reading of this film is that it's an entertaining comedy based on a man's life in which he struggles with the new-found difficulty of child care. We establish that there is a light-hearted mood because of the way in which the father fails desperately to change his children's nappies which in turn, is emphasized through the non-diegetic music that simmers in the background of his struggle. However his attempts provide amusement to the audience. We also deter that the film is based in the modern day within the same amount of luxury and wealth as the 'average' person (middle class).

The audience is engaged through the use of camera editing techniques such as with tracking, which gives a sense that as the man walks from one room to the next we are following him. What's more, once in the children's room the camera pans so that we see the rest of the room, providing a sense of reality as we can establish the contents of the room as if we were in the shot itself.

Location

It is difficult to establish the location that this film is set within in because the opening scene only happens to show the interior of the house. However based on the cleanliness, comfort and modern quality of the place, as well as the silent buzz of the grass hoppers outside, i can assume that this film is based in either a quiet, urban neighborhood or a rural area. However since the housing in rural areas isn't particularly modern i am more inclined to disagree with the secondary suggestion.

To the left is a long shot showing the babies' room. From this shot we can see that the wallpaper is lined with an assortment of decorative patterns such as flowers and a border enclosing different animals. The blue suggests innocence and along we the animals, helps in establishing that this is a babies' room. The room is clean and laded with a variety of comforts such as the separate cots and mobiles hanging above them, establishing that the family is moderately wealthy. However the furnishings in this room by no means signify great expense.

In this middle long shot we are given a view of the kitchen and part of the living room. The house is fully laden with many home gifts establishing the wealth of the family further. The fact that the living room and kitchen are joined together establishes that this is a modern house, further speculated through the fact the rooms are large reinforcing our reading of wealth. What's more it is a reflection of prosperity.

Sound

As said before, the scene opens with both non-diegetic music and the diegetic sounds of the grasshoppers outside. This is also cut across with the cries of a baby through the baby monitor. So far the narrative is established as it tells the audience that the couple have young children in their care. As the man starts to change his daughter's nappy the music changes slightly as it becomes incidental but returns to the same tune as it was previously. We hear the diegetic sound of the bottle of talcum powder being pressed open which along with the sound of the basket of nappies falling to the ground, makes the scene seem more erratic, reinforcing the reading of the father's struggle to simply change his child's nappy.

A diegetic sound effect for thumping is used when the twin brother hits his head against his cot. This creates a light-hearted atmosphere because the realism of the situation if low, hence why it would be considered a humorous moment.

Incidental music builds as the father changes his baby boy's nappy but as it builds we hear the diegetic sound of his hand grazing the nappies which intensifies the urgency of the situation. It is then that we hear the diegetic sound of the child farting at which point the music is more erratic. Once the father's face is covered the diegetic sound of the babies laughter follows above the change in non-diegetic music to reinforce the reading that the film is a humorous and entertaining comedy focused on the father's difficulty to manage his children.

Mood/atmosphere

In the scene there is no specific filter used except by lamplight. The lighting used is high key lighting for the most part of the scene but more of a low key lighting for the scenes filmed in the dark.This rarely creates a mood worth mentioning for impact. However the use of sound and particularly incidental music towards the climatic moment where the father is covered with his own sons excrement is particularly good at establishing a mood. Through the use of music here as well as the other diegetic sounds that occur at the same time (described above) an atmosphere of tension and suspense is built. But as the music changes and  there is a diegetic sound of the baby's laughter, the mood suddenly changes and becomes jollier, creating a more humorous scene.

Titles

The only information we are given in the opening scene is towards the end at which the title fades in from black. In the background plays uplifting music that almost mocks what the father has undergone. Quite formal typography has been used for the title, not only with the font that has been used but with the formality of having been written in white. Against the black background the title stands out boldly drawing focus into it. Notably, the style is rather unusual in the perception of a comedy movie's typography.

The Change Up: Characters

In the opening scene of The Change Up we are introduced to 4 characters. The first character we are introduced to is a man, who happens to be the father and husband of a family of 4. Firstly we are introduced to him by a birds eye, long shot.  To the right is a close up shot of the male character. In this shot he is wearing blue pyjamas which is a very stereotypical blue colour showing that his character has a reliance on the male stereotype. On his left hand we can see a wedding ring providing the audience with the knowledge that this man is married. In the scene the character is told to take care of the baby/babies which are crying by his supposed wife, which presents a role-reversal where the man shares the archetypal female role to look after the children. This shows the modern context of the film because the social ideologies for roles is very different to a time when archaic values were more prevalent. Furthermore, the fact he is presented as being clean and well dressed suggests that he is moderately wealthy.

The second character we are introduced to is the wife. In this middle long shot of the woman we can see that alternatively to her husband, she is wearing a yellow vest top. This shows her character isn't reliant on the female stereotype and establishes that the film is set in a modern context because the archetypal perception of women hasn't influenced the woman in how she looks or dresses. Furthermore, rather than helping to care for her children, she has left the job to her husband, showing she isn't submissive or weak but just as dominant as her husband, reflecting that she doesn't subscribe to the feminine archetype. Like her husband, she is also dressed suitably and within a clean environment also giving the reading that the film is set within a moderately wealthy household.

This middle close up shot shows a baby girl of whom constitutes the third character we are introduced to. In the shot the baby is wearing pink baby clothing with pink flowers decorating the costume. This is a stereotypical female colour and like with all things associated with boys and girls, pink and blue are colours that have always stereotyped genders with which the children rely on.

Another middle close up shot is used to show the twin baby boy. In this shot the boy is wearing a black and white striped costume. While the costume isn't blue as with the stereotypical colour for baby boys, the fact the costume uses dark colours such as black, still conveys the sense that the baby is still being likened to the archetype of wearing darker colours to impose ideas of strength.


In this long shot i wanted to highlight how there is still a reliance on the male and female stereotype with the way you can see that each baby wears socks characteristic to their gender e.g. pink for the baby girl and blue for the baby boy. The same goes for the tops of the bottles that the babies are feeding from.

Film Openings: The Change Up (2011)

Genre: Comedy
Box Office (gross): $75, 450, 437 (worldwide)
Distributed: Universal Pictures
Studio: Relativity Media, Original Film, Big Kid Pictures
Reception: The film did receive a relative number of unfavorable reviews one of which was received by the Telegraph who named it as one of 10 worst films of 2011 and declared: " Ryan Reynolds and Jason Bateman have skill, charm, timing-everything but the right script".

Narrative

The scene begins with a birds eye-view long shot of a man sleeping in a double bed coloured blue, matching the colour of his pyjamas. As soon as the scene begins, calm non-diegetic music plays in the background whilst the diegetic ambient sound of grass hoppers in the background also. In addition to this, the diegetic wails of a baby crying can be heard. We are introduced to a woman lying on the other side of the bed which we can assume to be the man's wife, this meaning that the characters are both part of a serious relationship (in fact they are married, as seen by the ring on the man's finger in the following shot). A close up shot and mid-close up shot of the man helps convey and emphasize to the audience that this man is tired: assumed due to it being the middle of the night (deduced by the absence of light and the presence of a diegetic grass hopper sound which can be associated with night). A close up shot track the man through the corridors where a long shot is used and pans to establish the room and its contents. There is a middle close up shot of a baby girl as well as a middle close up shot of a baby boy, establishing that the couple in the movie have twins. The father's inability to control the process of nappy changing starts to establish a comedic value in the film. A middle close up shot introduces the baby boy where comedy is established through the baby's harmful yet highly unrealistic action of thumping his head on the cot. This comedic moment acts as the starting point to a climatic hilarious moment where the the man struggles to change the baby's nappy and ends up with excrement on his face. The scene ends with a middle long shot of the man sat down watching television and feeding the baby's bottled milk at the same time. The titles appear after this point. In this scene we have established that the narrative is based on a family man.

Representation in Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets

The preferred reading of this film is that it is a variably exciting film that includes both misfortune and yet also euphoric circumstances which can be inferred through the use of non-diegetic music when Harry is looking at a book with moving pictures of his past. The scene in which he does this also provides the reading that the film is about magic because it is not physically possible to have moving pictures. We are given the understanding that Harry Potter comes under misfortune because of the way in which the 3 others characters interact to him.

In terms of the engagement the film has with the audience, the use of the crane shot when Harry is in the presence of the 3 other characters creates a sense that the viewer is within the scene. This provides a reading that the audience is supposed to be involved with the movie.

Location

At the start of the scene we are shown an establishing shot of an urban neighborhood, fairly busy (as gathered by the main road of cars), however strictly as quiet as a large village. As you can see in the shot on the right, the area is expansive but hospitable in the way the houses look fairly modern and not rundown. This instantly establishes that not only is the narrative based in the modern day but that it is based on characters from a middle-class background which could contrast differently if the shot showed a very urban scene with derelict buildings or rather streets lined with carriages rather than cars: to which we can also infer the film is based in the modern day.

The house that the scene takes place in contains an array of decorative objects which hint at the wealth of the family. In this long shot we can see an expendable number of items which co-exist alongside some of the innumerable necessary items. This reinforced the reading that the family is wealthy. The fact that the room has a vast array of colour reinforces the pre-conception that the film focuses on good and yet poignant circumstances, such as in the way the colour provides a sense of familial safety, yet the way in which Harry is treated highlights the misfortune the character finds himself in. The retro colours that surround the room establish that the film is at least a decade old. Some of the most notable props include the the silver candle holder, clean and seemingly expensive. Another is the photograph at the back wall showing a family of 3 but not including Harry which establishes that the family's relationship with Harry sits hostile.

Sound

The non-diegetic music at the start of the film acts as the sound motif to Harry Potter and particularly now, establishes that the film is part of the Harry Potter franchise. As the title appears, a non-diegetic sound effect is used to resemble the sound of 'twinkling' which establishes that the film is about magic. The music in itself is neither darkening nor rapturous but as said, helps to establish the film. As the sound motif fades and another song plays, the diegetic sound of cars driving along the street can be heard giving the preferred reading that the film coincides with the realistic world. Yet as the scene evolves, the diegetic sound of an owl (Hedwig) screeching and rattling on her cage provides a sound bridge as the shots switch back and forth between close up shots of Harry and Hedwig. This helps to establish realism in the film.

Even as Harry enters the kitchen downstairs the diegetic sound of the door opening helps to provide continuity of action and thus greater realism in the film. By this time the music has faded out. Towards the end of the scene a middle shot is used to capture Aunt Petunia, Uncle Vernon and Dudley standing together. Non-diegetic incidental music plays in the background, which is quite heavy and foreboding. This establishes authority within the household as well as power and prowess that the characters exhibit in their dominance over Harry's actions.

Mood/ atmosphere

The high key lighting in this opening scene is provided by lamplight which isn't unusual because as we see from the establishing shot, the scene takes place at night. Therefore there is no direct mood set by the use of lightning except perhaps comfort because of how relatable the scene could be to different households. Although when the title appears the lighting is significant because it shows dark and light, establishing the preferred reading that this film is based on both turmoil and salvation.

The non-dietetic sound effect of the 'twinkling' at the start of the scene establishes an intriguing and magical atmosphere, producing a light and positive mood. This follows through as the music changes when Harry is in his room with Hedwig. But an opposite mood is also established towards the end of the scene where heavy, non-diegetic incidental music has been used, creating a negative atmosphere.

Titles

The information we are provided with in the opening scene includes the Warner Bros ident and the Harry Potter title. The typography appears slightly archaic but unique also, having been coloured in gold. As you can see in the shot below the title appears from behind clouds in the sky and quite interestingly the clouds disperse beside 'Potter' to show the sun; this gives a sense of hope and positivity which contrasts against the dark clouds on the left of the title. When the title appears the sound motif instantly increases in volume establishing that Harry Potter is a character essential to the story. The text beneath the name is a lot smaller with the exemption of the words "chamber" and "secrets" which have been written in capital locks to highlight their importance. Yet the typography is iconic to the film seemingly appearing to have been carved. The "P" resembles a lighting bolt of which is an icon primarily associated with Harry Potter. This establishes that the lightning bolt has significance to the film and thus a part of the narrative is established too.

Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets: Characters

Characters 

A series of close up shots initially introduce the audience to Harry Potter,whilst an extreme close up shot takes use of the rule of thirds to signify Harry's importance in the film. To the right is a close up shot of Harry. Instantly,we can deduce that from the background and props (lamp, bed, desk, and curtains) Harry is in a room, most likely in his own. His costume constitutes of a blue faded jumper, suggesting that the clothing is old and has been handed down to him, this is further supported by the voluminous size indicating that another sibling gave it to him. What's more, the colour blue is significant as it's a stereotypical colour associated with boys, showing that the film plays on the stereotypical male. Harry has been presented to look simple and ordinary, as seen from the plain haircut. The glasses act as a prominent icon to the film but also act as an icon of weakness, fragility and vulnerability deduced by the fact that glasses concord to eye-sight problems.

We are introduced to Aunt Petunia using a close up shot of a cake which then tilts upwards. From this shot we can identify that Petunia already subscribes to the feminine archetype because of her costume and make-up. Petunia wears a fairly peach/pink coloured dress. The colour pink is a stereotypical female colour. The dress in itself is an icon of innocence and fragility and thus the subscription to the feminine archetype is further enhance by her jewelry. Hanging from her neck and ears are white pearls. Pearls symbolizes innocence with reference to purity. She also has make-up on which shows she has a value on looking good. All points mentioned give the preferred reading that she subscribes to the feminine archetype. What's more, the use of props in reference to the cake further establishes this inference because archetypally, a woman's role would have been to cook and provide for the family which she is in fact, shown to be doing here.

This middle shot shows Vernon and Dudley, the son and father of the household. We immediately recognize that they are both wearing suits. A suit is an icon of power and wealth, instantly establishing that the family is quite wealthy and that these two characters dominate the house. Dudley's hair has been flattened out with wax to make him appear sophisticated whereas Vernon's hair isn't smoothed back. He also has a bushy and untidy mustache implying that he is less practical in the household. Nevertheless his authority over the rest of the family and most notably, Harry, suggests he is the 'breadwinner' of the house which therefore shows us that he, along with Dudley, subscribes to the archetypal male; this establishes that the 'muggles' in the movie have been characterized in such a way, due to the archetypal perception of each gender.

Edit Timeline: Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets

Film Openings: Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets (2002)

Genre: Adventure/ Family/ Fantasy/ Mystery
Box Office (gross): $878, 979, 634 (worldwide)
Distributor: Warner Bros. Pictures
Studio: Heyday Films, 1492 Pictures
Critical Acclaim: The film was nominated for 3 BAFTA Awards: Best Production Design, Sound and Achievement in visual effects
Success and reception: No. 1 box office for 2 non-consecutive weekends and the film was the 2nd highest-grossing film worldwide in 2002 (9th in the US and Canada)

Entertainment Weekly stated: "Among the things this Harry Potter does well indeed is deepen the darker, more frightening atmosphere for audiences. this is as it should be. Harry's story is supposed to get darker."

The New York Times reported: "Instead of feeling stirred you may feel battered and worn down, but not, in the end, too terribly disappointed."

Narrative

The scene begins with a black screen where a non-diegetic sound motif begins to play. A long shot of clouds fades in and zooms closer as the Warner Bros ident appears. The movie score increases in pace as the ident disappears and the title emerges from the clouds. A non-diegetic sound effect resembling the inferred sound of a wand plays along with the music. As the camera moves from the clouds the music gets quieter and we are shown an establishing shot of a mildly urban neighborhood to which the music changes and we are shown a middle long shot (from the view of a window) of Harry Potter. A variety of camera shots such as a point-of-view shot and eye-line-match is used to put across to the audience that he is looking through a book. An over-the-shoulder-shot in deep focus is used to show an owl where the realism is enhanced with the use of the diegetic sound of the owl's biting of the cage. A close up shot introduces a female character, Aunt Petunia and a long shot follows this to provide a sense of the house and its furnishings as well as helping the audience to infer more from the mis-en-scene. A crane shot is used to introduce 2 more characters, Vernon and Dudley, both characters remarkably similar in arrogance and attire. Several middle close up and middle shots are used along with shot-reverse-shot to convey the relationship Harry Potter shares with the family. For example, there is also a middle shot which tracks Dudley who pushes into the side of Harry, suggesting hostility between the two. As the scene begins to end, a middle shot of the characters is used along side non-diegetic music which grows heavy to suggest authority and dominance above Harry.

Representation in Insidious

The preferred reading of this film is associated with a negative, bleak setting of which an ominous mood is presented through the use of the black & white filter and rather minacious non-diegtic music. The location is featured primarily within a house, suggesting that the film is set within this location.

The use of the crane shot that scours the house helps to involve the audience and give the impression that the viewer is walking through the house which also intensifies the fear.

Location

The setting,as seen from middle long shots of the house and the furnishings within it, is set in a mildly urban neighborhood and we can infer that the location is fairly quiet because of the mere silencing high pitch of the non-diegetic music.

To the left is a bird's eye shot of the staircase towering above the grandfather clock which is prevalent in many of the black & white shots in the opening scene. The clock is an icon of grandeur and therefore has connotations of wealth as well as age. The shot further shows a contrasting modern, clean household which establishes that the film takes place in the present day.

This is a canted long shot of the grandfather clock. As we can see from the shot several rugs line the hallway as well as 2 large frames. This establishes that the inhabitants of the house are moderately wealthy. But yet again we are shown the clock which creates a sense of forebodement that the clock will act as the centerpiece for the sinister character in the film.



Sound

The scene begins with the non-diegetic score of the film. There is at first a high eerie note which develops into an eldritch tune. As the shots change the music develops into incidental music. A long shot of the corridor shows the shadow of a woman which is followed by scratching music. Once the shot of the old woman fades out to black the music fades also and stops. As soon as the title appears a sound motif plays. This music already establishes that the narrative is based on a thriller/horror movie and associated with a dark mood because a series of high pitched noises have been used and such is analogous with horror movies. This in turn establishes that the most significant character is likely to have evil motives, as is the preferred reading from all thriller/horror movies.

Mood/ atmosphere

Within the opening low key lighting has been used to create an ominous mood. A long crane shot sweeps the set with a dark filter to resemble the lighting at night. Furthermore, as the scene goes on several shots have been taken using a black and white filter. This establishes that the narrative is based on both the light and dark which both symbolize angelic salvation and demonic condemnation. Even as the scene ends and we are given a close up shot of a woman sleeping there is still a slight dark filter used which helps in creating a sinister and foreboding atmosphere. The variation of volume and music/silence adds to the disquieting atmosphere, establishing the genre further.

Titles

The typography of the credits follows a red colour scheme which has connotations of blood and has a resemblance to the devil. As the credits fade out a translucent copy of the text rises and then disappears like a flame going out. This links in with the shot of the old woman holding a candle but instead the light flickers out, giving the impression that the darkness is consuming the light (in other words, demonic spirits above the angelic salvation of the light). The title is also blood red, using formal typography with capital locks. The letters flash between dark and light as if flames are beneath the letters, giving the reading that the film is associated with hell (supposed because there are flames in hell). As said, non-diegetic music plays alongside the title enhancing the demonism of the film and the 'horror-factor' it imposes.

Insidious: Characters

Characters

A long shot tilts downwards to show a young boy asleep in his bed. This establishes that not only will this movie chiefly involve the young boy but that the house belongs to a family who will also be involved with the events that unfold. The duvet consists of dark colours which have connotations of masculinity, giving the audience a reading that the boy typically subscribes to the male stereotype (for young boys). There are also toys present suggesting that the film is constructed on the 'regular' child. What's more his his hair is inconspicuous, having been cut quite ordinarily for young boys which provides greater relation to the realism of young boys in society.

We are also given a close up shot of an old woman. A candle acts as the prop for the woman which she holds to illuminate her face only. Candles are supposed to present love and dispel darkness, usually used religiously for weddings, baptisms, funerals etc. This juxtaposes with the woman herself who on the other hand, reflects demonism through her make-up and costume. Her skin is uncharacteristically pale suggesting she's ill and/or dead; the shadows across her face give the impression she is surreptitious but has evil motives . The veil over her head is constitutes the structure of a wedding veil yet it is black rather than white suggesting she wears funeral attire. This provides connotations of mourning and impurity as well as a lack of innocence suggesting that the woman has committed unspeakable crimes. Due to the nature of the film being a horror we can only assume that she is a murderer.


Finally we are provided with a close up shot (which fades in from black) of a woman sleeping on a sofa which slowly zooms out. The woman has make-up on suggesting she has values on looking good which shows she is subscribing to the archetype of women. She wears pyjamas on which monkeys and bananas are printed which has connotations of simplicity and innocence, therefore showing the woman has is targeted to look like the 'stereotypical' woman.

Film Openings: Insidious (2010)

Genre: Horror/ Thriller

Box Office (gross): $97, 009, 150 (worldwide)

Distributor: Film District 

Studio: Alliance Films, IM Global, Stage 6 Films

Critical Acclaim: Won Best Horror Film & Best Supporting Actress (Lin Shaye) at the Fright Meter Awards

Success & reception: It was the most profitable film of 2011

Mike Hail from The New York Times described the film as having "the strongest analogue for the second half of Insidious is one that the filmmakers probably weren't trying for."

Christy Lemire of Associated Press acclaimed that "Insidious is the kind of movie you could watch with your eyes closed and still feel engrossed by it...it'll grab you with some disturbing, raspy whispers on a baby monitor, a few melancholy piano plunkings and the panicky bleating of an alarm as a front door is mysteriously flung open in the middle of the night."

Narrative

The film begins with credits of which fade in and out where non-diegetic music simmers in the background. As the idents appear we are shown a high angle long shot of a boy sleeping in a bed. It seems that the camera is a crane shot of which moves across the room and travels to a corridor within the house. Immediately a long shot of the corridor shows the viewer a shadow of a woman, heightening the senses as the non-diegetic sound motif kicks in. The crane shot turns into another room to show a middle shot of a ghostly woman holding a candle which then zooms into a close up. The shot fades out to which the music stops (lasting for 2 seconds). The title appears and the non-diegetic sound motif immediately plays. As soon as the shot fades to black, a series of shots of the house appear having been presented with a black & white filter whilst the credits play. The opening scene ends with a the camera zooming out of a close up shot of a woman sleeping. The filter is removed and the scene begins.

The story-line is established within this minute narrative with the way we are already given an ominous atmosphere. We can establish that it is a horror by the way the female character has been captured to which is also enhanced by the music.

Group Work

So after weighing up the advantages and disadvantages of working individually or in a group i have decided to work alongside Indya and Katy to create the opening of a film!

Note

It's been brought to my attention that i have described that this process of looking at making the opening of a film trailer is less than true and i would like to correct myself in saying that it is the opening of a thriller movie that i will be working towards making, editing and evaluating.

Functions of a camera

I know, it's probably not the most advanced video to brace YouTube but here i have linked up this video with another featuring an image of my personal camera's functions. Also the camera seems to fluctuate in and out of focus for no apparent reason so i apologize for any inconvenience caused.

Advantages and disadvantages of working individually

Advantages:

• No reliance on others
• Making choices you truly agree with
• More work done because of limited distractions
• You're the one in charge of goals and the outcome of making the film trailer
• Individually you are the one who receives the credit

Disadvantages:

• More time-consuming
• More stressful- having to fulfill all the different roles
• Difficult to gather ideas for a thriller trailer
• No one to share ideas with and support your decision
• Held accountable if the trailer ends up bad

Advantages and disadvantages of working in a group

Advantages:

• Less time-consuming
• Can gather a greater range of ideas
• Roles can be spread throughout the group providing greater ease
• Able to share resources and skills
• More enjoyable-social aspect
• Members will want to work harder to prove their skills, therefore leading to accomplishing the task much quicker with greater quality

Disadvantages:

• You are reliant on others
• Work could be misplaced in the hands of another group member
• Will have to meet up more often with group members to get things sorted-inconvenience e.g. each member has the same video clip
• One person may take on more of leader role which leads to other group members having unequal power over the trailer and ideas towards it
• Socializing could lead to a lack of work being produced
• Conflict over decisions

Do's and don'ts of production, filming and editing

Do:

• Consider the type of shot carefully-taking careful consideration to the rule of thirds
• Make sure the camera or people filming are not within the shot e.g. seen in any reflective surfaces
• Consider lighting e.g indoor lighting can result in a poorer quality image and makes it more difficult to see the subjects, bright back lighting can make it difficult to see the subjects' faces, bright lighting can cause subjects to squint which affects the plot of the scene
• Select the most appropriate partners if working in a group
• Take time to create a thoughtful plan
• Use a high quality camera
• Use the 180-degree rule if showing subjects' conversing with one another
• Use lots of different shots, angles and editing techniques for different resounding effect

Don't:

• Shoot scenes where ambient sounds are loud and intrusive 
• Create unsteady shots where the camera shakes
• Cast people unsuitable for the role (appearance, age etc.) 
• Cast people bad at acting
• Use music which you don't have the rights to use (copyright laws)

Evaluation of preliminary task

So here i am evaluating the skills i have gained on the preliminary task of creating a video using match-on-action, shot-reverse-shot and the 180-degree rule. What's more i discuss the skills i will need for the main task in which i will create a thriller trailer. 

*Please excuse any mistakes i've made- i talk naturally fast when i read which made it slightly difficult to keep up with the pace without losing breath. Also this video was shot in HD but i don't have advanced editing software that works to keep the file format in HD, however i plan on getting new software soon!